Why not take science outdoors with these simple outdoor science experiments and activities? Perfect for having fun and learning too! Science in the backyard gets kids outside and experimenting with the world around them from crazy chemical reactions to beautiful biology. Turn on the observation skills, call on the 5 senses, and take it outdoors! We love easy and doable science experiments for kids!

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Enjoy Outdoor Science

Add these simple outdoor science experiments and activities to your spring and summer lesson plans this season. If you want to head outdoors for hands-on learning, now’s the time. While you’re at it, make sure to check out these other fun science experiments.

Outdoor science is one of the best ways to get kids involved and keep them engaged. Below you will find weather activities, chemical reactions, physics experiments, and more. For even more outdoor science ideas, check out our outdoor STEM activities.

There is something for everyone on this outdoor science experiment list below. Multiple ages will enjoy many of these outdoor science activities together.

Take your science experiments outdoors! Some of these summer science activities will do much better outside, and the clean-up will be much easier. The fresh air, sunshine, and smells of nature can’t be beaten. It’s the perfect opportunity to build those observational skills with all the sights, sounds, smells, and textures.

Quick Science in the Backyard for Kids

Before diving into the fantastic outdoor science experiments below, look at these quick activities to get started. Doing science in the backyard with kids can be both fun and educational. Here are some quick and enjoyable science activities you can try:

Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for the kids to find in the backyard, such as different leaves, rocks, insects, flowers, or even specific colors. This activity encourages observation and helps kids learn about the diversity of nature. Use one of our free printable scavenger hunts.

Shadow Tracing: On a sunny day, have the kids trace the outline of various objects’ shadows or themselves at different times. This demonstrates how the sun’s position changes the length and direction of shadows.

Mini Compost Bin: Teach kids about composting by creating a small bin using kitchen scraps and yard waste. Over time, they can observe decomposition and learn about recycling organic matter.

Bug Identification: Explore the world of backyard insects by capturing them gently (with adult supervision) using bug catchers or clear containers. Help the kids identify different insects and discuss their characteristics and habitats. Build a bug hotel and grab this free insect research pack.

Weather Watchers: Set up a weather station with a thermometer, rain gauge, cloud viewer, and anemometer. Encourage kids to record daily weather conditions and discuss patterns and changes with this free weather tracking log.

Seed Sprouting: Plant seeds in small pots or cups in different backyard areas (sunny, shady, etc.). Observe and compare how each group of seeds sprouts and grows. This is a fantastic science fair project; what do seeds need?

Water Exploration: Set up a water table or a small container filled with water. Provide various objects like rocks, leaves, and toys, and ask kids to predict which objects will float and which will sink. Check out our sink or float experiment setup.

DIY Bird Feeders: Make simple bird feeders using pinecones coated with peanut butter and birdseed. Hang them in the backyard and observe the birds that come to feed. Or try these birdseed ornaments.

Nature Art: Collect leaves, flowers, and small sticks to create nature-based art. Kids can arrange these natural materials to form patterns, pictures, or mandalas. Or try this nature weaving project.

Free Printable Outdoor Science Guide

This free printable outdoor science week guide comes with handy links to bookmark and a science process pack with science journal pages. Hang it on the fridge or bulletin board for a reminder to do more science!

12 Outdoor Science Experiments For Kids

Click on the links below to see the full setup for each outdoor science project. Whether you want a few new ideas or want to make your own backyard summer science camp, we have you covered!

Alka Seltzer Rocket

Grab some Alka Seltzer tablets and film canisters, and follow our step-by-step instructions to make an Alka Seltzer rocket that will blast off!

Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano

Set up a cool outdoor science experiment with this fizzing vinegar and baking soda reaction. Also check out our exploding watermelon volcano.

Bottle Rocket

This bottle rocket project is an easy way to get your kiddos excited about science! Who doesn’t love an explosive chemical reaction?

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Bottle Rocket

Bubbles

Make homemade bubble solution and bubble wands! Also, try bouncing bubbles and take the bubble challenge… Can you make a square bubble?

Also, try: Make a Bubble Snake!

Coloring Changing Slime

Make this super stretchy saline solution slime that changes color when you take it outdoors. Learn about ultraviolet light with this sun-activated color-changing slime.

Gravity Play

What is gravity? Kids will love playing with gravity and learning about its pull! Find a list of gravity activities that you can also take outside!

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Homemade Pulley

With a few simple supplies from the hardware store, your kids will have a blast playing and learning with this simple machine. Learn how to make a pulley for kids!

Leakproof Bag

This experiment is fun to do outdoors! You only need sharpened pencils, a plastic bag and plenty of water. Make sure to take your leakproof bag experiment outside on a hot day!

Mentos and Coke

Love fizzing and exploding experiments? YES!! All you need are Mentos and coke. Or here is another way to do it with diet coke and mentos.

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Popping Bags

A classic outdoor science experiment, popping bags, is the perfect outdoor activity. Will it pop, burp, or erupt?

Sundial

Learn how people used a sundial for an early time-telling device based on the sun’s position in the sky! Make these easy sundials with a paper plate and pencil.

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Sun Prints

We all love a sunny day and it makes a perfect day to try some outdoor STEAM with these LEGO construction paper sun prints.

Also, try Rain Prints!

Weather Science

Weather activities are great to take outdoors. Make a cloud viewer and identify what clouds you can see.

More Outdoor Science Resources

  • Free summer science camp! Ensure you also check out our week-long summer science camp ideas for a week of science fun!

Science Experiments By Age Group

We’ve put together a few separate resources for different age groups, but remember that many experiments will cross over and can be re-tried at several different age levels. Younger kiddos can enjoy the simplicity and hands-on fun. At the same time, you can talk back and forth about what is happening.

As kiddos get older, they can bring more complexity to the experiments, including using the scientific method, developing hypotheses, exploring variables, creating different tests, and writing conclusions from analyzing data.

Done-For-You Science Camp

Make sure you also check out our week-long summer science camp science plan for a week of science fun! Plus, I’ve added 12 mini-camp weeks with complete instructions!

4 Comments

  1. wow! so clever though. a simple way for kids fun. I just love this idea. Such a creative thought. kids must love this idea. Thanks for such a good idea to share with us.

  2. Amazing idea. Kids love to play in outdoor. I like this outdoor activities for kids. hot summer kids must like it. I feel relax and comfortable to play in outdoor.

  3. Pingback: Best 21 Summer Stem Activities - Home, Family, Style and Art Ideas
  4. Pingback: 25+ Preschool Activities For Playful Learning | Little Bins for Little Hands

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